The COVID-19 pandemic led to lockdowns worldwide, forcing people to stay indoors. As a result, online engagement increased dramatically over the past two years. With limited outdoor activities, people turned to the internet for learning, entertainment, shopping, and communication. Here, we have listed some of the most visited and popular websites during the lockdown.
YouTube remained the most visited website globally, serving as both an entertainment and educational platform. While some people engaged with informative and learning-based content, others enjoyed funny videos, memes, pranks, and exposé-style videos. The platform saw a massive increase in content creation, with thousands of YouTubers uploading fresh content daily. Many aspiring content creators took advantage of the lockdown to start their YouTube channels, contributing to the platform’s growth. YouTube recorded an impressive 8.564 billion visitors per month, making it a dominant force in the online world.
Wikipedia, the largest free encyclopedia on the internet, experienced a significant rise in traffic as people searched for information on various topics. It recorded 223 billion visitors per month, with most of its traffic coming from Google searches. Whether people were researching COVID-19 updates, historical events, or entertainment-related queries, Wikipedia provided a reliable source of information. Although not always considered 100% accurate, its credibility has grown over the years, making it a trusted source for millions.
With people isolated at home, social media became a crucial tool for staying connected. Facebook, being one of the oldest and most popular platforms, witnessed a significant surge in usage. People engaged with posts, connected with family and friends, and shared their lockdown experiences. Reports suggest that Facebook received 16,474,012 unique visitors daily during the lockdown. The platform also became a source of news, live updates, and virtual events, making it a key player in online engagement.
Instagram’s popularity skyrocketed during the lockdown, especially after introducing Reels—a short video feature similar to TikTok. As TikTok faced restrictions in several countries, many users migrated to Instagram, increasing its user base. Young people, in particular, spent a lot of time on Instagram, sharing creative content, following trends, and staying entertained. The platform reached 3,934,598 unique users per day during the lockdown period.
Twitter emerged as a vital platform for real-time news, discussions, and trending topics. The site became a hub for updates on COVID-19, government regulations, and global affairs. It ranked as the fourth most visited site globally and the third most visited in the United States. With 2,467,234 unique users per day, Twitter served as a space for debates, memes, and information sharing, keeping users engaged throughout the lockdown.
Reddit, a platform known for its diverse communities, saw a tremendous increase in traffic during the lockdown. It provided a space for people to discuss everything from gaming and technology to fitness and mental health. The platform reached 12,008,507 unique users per day, generating 53,332,674 daily page views and accumulating 1.7 billion comments. Whether users wanted advice, memes, or intellectual debates, Reddit had something for everyone.
Pinterest became a favorite for those seeking inspiration for home projects, recipes, fashion, and art. The platform allowed users to explore new hobbies and interests during their free time. More than 200 billion pins were created daily, leading to an increase in user engagement. The site recorded 1,324,262 unique users per day, generating 7,491,421 daily page views.
With physical stores closed or operating with restrictions, online shopping became the new norm. Amazon, the world’s largest e-commerce platform, saw a dramatic increase in orders for essential items, electronics, home fitness equipment, and entertainment products. The platform reached 8,998,927 unique users per day. The convenience of online shopping made Amazon a preferred choice for millions worldwide.
With cinemas closed, people turned to streaming services for entertainment. Netflix saw a significant surge in subscribers, with people binge-watching web series, movies, and documentaries. The platform recorded 15,369,486 unique users per day, making it one of the most popular streaming services during the lockdown. The demand for fresh content led Netflix to release multiple original series and films, further boosting engagement.
MSN, a Microsoft-owned web portal, provided news, entertainment, and lifestyle content. It became a valuable source for COVID-19 updates, financial news, and general knowledge. Reports suggest MSN reached 6,240,683 unique users per day, generating 17,568,644 daily page views. The platform’s comprehensive content made it one of the top fifteen most visited websites worldwide.
Apart from the above-mentioned websites, several other platforms saw increased engagement during the lockdown. Here are some of them:
With in-person events canceled, academic and business professionals turned to online webinars and virtual conferences. Platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams became essential for communication, networking, and knowledge sharing.
People relied on news portals for updates about the pandemic, government regulations, and international events. Some of the most visited news websites included:
Lockdown led to an increase in music streaming as people sought entertainment and relaxation. Popular music platforms included:
Public forums became a place for people to seek advice, share knowledge, and engage in discussions. Some of the most visited Q&A platforms included:
The lockdown significantly changed how people interacted with the internet, leading to increased engagement across various websites. From entertainment and social networking to shopping and news, the online world played an important role in keeping people informed and entertained. As the world gradually returns to normal, many of these online habits may persist, shaping the future of digital consumption.
websites
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.